Raig stepping into North Olmsted stadium leadership role

Longtime North Olmsted Board of Education member Mike Raig is ready to step into the huddle with the still being formed North Olmsted Stadium Foundation.

Raig’s former colleagues on the North Olmsted school board at the July 18 regular school board meeting approved having him represent the board on the foundation as it works on raising $2 million to redo the district’s football stadium, track and other related sports facilities. Other foundation officials had come to the school board seeking a representative from it to serve on the foundation, most likely as president, and help lead the effort to upgrade the athletics facilities. In addition to the fundraising work, Raig is to serve as a liaison between the board and the private group by helping keep the district apprised of the foundation’s progress and work.

“This is a big thing for North Olmsted,” Raig said. “It should be interesting to do.”

A builder and architect who served a decade on the school board with eight years as president, and who also served as interim city engineer for the city of North Olmsted, Raig’s wide-ranging skills and knowledge of the community were lauded by district and foundation officials. Board members said ultimately they would like to see whoever is selected as the permanent superintendent for the district become involved as well. Board members said Terry Krivak, who officially takes the interim superintendent’s post next week, can help, but noted the work will extend beyond the year Krivak is expected to hold the position while a permanent replacement for the retiring Cheryl Dubsky is sought.

“He knows the district and North Olmsted,” board member John Lasko said. “He has a great skill set that makes him an ideal person to work on this and help get the work moving forward.”

Board President Tom Herbster, who said he did not feel any board president should serve in a similar leadership role for the foundation to avoid any possible perceptions of a conflict of interest, praised Raig.

“He’s perfect for something like this,” Herbster said. “He’s worked on stadium projects and knows what will be needed to put together something like this both from a school district perspective and the people putting the facilities together.”

Raig said he would be working foundation activities into his schedule and expected to be talking with school district and other foundation workers soon.